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Cleopatra

Name: Cleopatra
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Released: 1963
Duration: 251 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

1963

Director

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Runtime

251 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film highlights Cleopatra's political acumen and her role as a central driver of historical shifts, challenging traditional gender hierarchies. However, its strengths are undermined by the whitewashing of the cast, which limits the film's cultural authenticity and racial diversity. The work balances classical Hollywood archetypes with nuanced character studies, providing a complex look at power dynamics and political maneuvering.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cleopatra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ identities or perspectives on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Cleopatra portray gender?

Good

Cleopatra is a central character who uses her intelligence and political influence to navigate male-dominated hierarchies. She remains the primary driver of political changes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cleopatra?

Limited

The film casts Elizabeth Taylor as a North African ruler, reflecting 1960s whitewashing and failing to provide authentic racial representation for the Egyptian setting.

How does Cleopatra represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines the conflict between Roman expansion and Egyptian sovereignty, critiquing the mechanics of empire through a lens of political survival and situational ethics.

Does Cleopatra include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities being used as central plot devices or portrayed with significant roles.

Present on Screen

Cleopatra is portrayed as a smart and politically influential protagonist.
The narrative explores the tension between imperial expansion and national sovereignty.
The film offers a nuanced study of power dynamics and political maneuvering.

Limited or Absent

The casting of a white actress in a North African role results in significant whitewashing.
The film lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives.
There is a lack of authentic racial and ethnic diversity within the Egyptian setting.

Official Synopsis

Determined to hold on to the throne, Cleopatra seduces the Roman emperor Julius Caesar. When Caesar is murdered, she redirects her attentions to his general, Marc Antony, who vows to take power—but Caesar’s successor has other plans.

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